Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON-TU-ME'LI-OUS, a. [L. contumeliosus. See Contumely.]

1. Haughtily reproachful; contemptuous; insolent; rude and sarcastic; as, contumelious language. – Swift.
2. Haughty and contemptuous; disposed to utter reproach, or to insult; insolent; proudly rude; as, a contumelious person. – Shak.
3. Reproachful; shameful; ignominious. – Decay of Piety.